ALLEN PARK -- Lions wide receiver Patrick Edwards is back for his second stint with the team and is taking part in rookie minicamp Saturday during the second day of workouts.

Edwards is two years removed from playing college ball at the University of Houston with its famed high-powered passing attack and record-setting quarterback Case Keenum.

Edwards was the receiver who suffered a gruesome broken leg in college after attempting to catch a pass as he ran into a cart that was parked in the end zone.

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A quick 5-foot-9-slot receiver who participated with the team last year in rookie minicamp and training camp, Edwards spent time on the practice squad last year before being placed on injured reserve in October with an undisclosed injury.

Edwards is hoping to join a receiving corps that struggled to stay healthy last season. Second-year receiver Ryan Broyles and veteran Nate Burleson both missed time with injuries, receiver Titus Young was also placed on IR with a knee injury last December, but was often in the Lions' doghouse with several off-field and on-field issues. He's since been released.

Head coach Jim Schwartz said that Edwards' ability to remain healthy will dictate the type of role that he will have with the team.

"I like a lot of things about him, liked him last year, availability was a big thing last year," Schwartz said. "He would have a really good day in training camp then he'd miss a couple days with a hamstring or some other injury. His availability to practice and put one good practice on top of another one and be out there and available is a big thing for him."

Edwards' role with the team is not clear, but Schwartz said he thinks Edwards can be more than just a special teams player.

"Whether it's an opportunity at wide receiver or special teams, there's going to be a lot of opportunities for him," Schwartz said. "He might be able to take advantage of Ryan Broyles recovering from knee surgery or Nate Burleson recovering from a broken leg, there's opportunities in our offense as well as special teams."

With this being his second rookie camp, Edwards said he is a lot more comfortable with the practice routine and is focused on making plays.

"Everything has slowed down for me, I know what I have to do and all I got to do is go out there and just play and perform," Edwards said. "No more thinking... I'm out there feeling relaxed and I just have to get better at my technique."

Schwartz credited Edwards for returning for his second camp stronger physically than last season. Edwards said time rehabbing in the off-season has helped him return to 100 percent health-wise.

Now it is up to Edwards to make a positive impression on the coaches and increase his chances of making the 53-man roster.

"Getting out there making more plays and getting the coaches' attention. Trying to improve every day," Edwards said. "(I need to) get back there on special teams and contribute where I can, punt return or kick return."